ACT Policing is investigating a real estate fraud in which a Canberra property has been sold without the consent of the home owner, who resides overseas.
After consultation with the Royal South African Police (RSA), ACT Policing has taken carriage of the investigation which will determine how the home owner, who resides in South Africa, was defrauded of the Macgregor home. Police will investigate a series of exchanges which led to the sale of the property without the owner’s knowledge or consent, and the disbursement of the funds generated by the deception.
ACT Policing has joined with the ACT Office of Regulatory Services and ACT Attorney General Simon Corbell in warning home owners to be vigilant of scammers, particularly if an owner is residing or travelling overseas.
The absence of the home owner and an inability to personally review documentation which may be fraudulent provides leverage for the scammers to operate. Police would urge home owners residing overseas or travelling overseas for a lengthy period to establish robust protocols which protect and confirm their bona fides.
ACT Policing would urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of this type of fraud to report it to Police Operations on 131-444. Any questions relating to regulations surrounding the sale of property in the ACT should be directed to the Office of Regulatory Services on 6207 3000 (select 8).
(ACT Policing Media Release)
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